The MLB playoffs are just over a month away but we are already starting to see major contenders stand out. Although four teams from each league advance to the playoffs, I believe the teams that will be advancing to the World Series are Boston and Philadelphia. Even though anything can happen in the playoffs, both teams seem to be at the top of their respective leagues. When matching up these two teams, the Red Sox have the hitting advantage, but the pitching and defense of the Phillies will help them prevail and become the 2011 World Series Champions.

Four of the five pitchers in the Phillies rotation have ERA’s below 3.00. Leading the way is their Ace Roy Halladay. The other three that have ERA’s below 3.00 are Cliff Lee, Vance Worley and Cole Hamels. Roy Oswalt fills out their rotation and has an ERA under 4.00. Their stellar pitching staff has propelled them to be the league leader in runs allowed and WHIP and fourth in opponent’s batting average.

Even though the pitching staff is the backbone of the Phillies, the rest of the team is also comprised of all-star talent. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins and newly acquired Hunter Pence are all one of the top players at the respective positions.

As the old saying goes, defense wins championships and the Phillies have a great defense. Both Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino have three gold gloves a piece. Additionally, the Phillies are currently tied for the league lead in errors committed and fielding percentage. As a team, they have committed 57 errors and have a fielding percentage of .988. Both of these stats are well below the league average of 82 errors and a .983 fielding percentage.

Even though their hitting is ranked near the middle of the league, their outstanding pitching and fielding will vault them to the World Series Championship.